A less common type of vaginitis is spread by sexual contact. It is called trichomonias. Symptoms in women include genital itching, vaginal odor, and a heavy vaginal discharge that may be yellow-grey or green in color.

OTHER CAUSES

Chemicals can cause itchy rashes in the genital area.

Spermicides and vaginal sponges, which are over-the-counter birth control methods

Feminine sprays and perfumes

Bubble baths and soaps

Low estrogen levels in women after menopause can cause vaginal dryness and thinning of the skin of the vagina and vulva. These factors may lead to or worsen genital itching and burning.

Other causes include:

Tight-fitting or nonabsorbent clothing, which leads to heat rashes

Skin conditions

Objects such as a lost tampon can also cause irritation, itching, and strong smelling discharge.

Sometimes the exact cause cannot be found. This is called nonspecific vulvovaginitis.

It occurs in all age groups, but is most common in young girls before puberty, especially girls with poor genital hygiene.

It causes a foul-smelling, brownish-green discharge and irritation of the labia and vaginal opening.

This condition is often linked with excess growth of bacteria that are typically found in the stool. These bacteria are sometimes spread from the rectum to the vaginal area by wiping from back to front after using the bathroom.

Irritated tissue is more likely to become infected than healthy tissue. Many germs that cause infection thrive in a warm, damp, and dark environment, which can also lead to a longer recovery.

Sexual abuse should be considered in young girls with unusual infections and repeated episodes of unexplained vulvovaginitis.

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

If you have been diagnosed with a yeast infection in the past and know the symptoms, you can try treatment with over-the-counter products. However, if your symptoms do not completely disappear in about a week, contact your health care provider. Many other infections have similar symptoms.

The health care provider will perform a pelvic examination. This exam may show red, tender areas on the vulva or vagina.

A wet prep (examining vaginal discharge under a microscope) is usually done to identify a vaginal infection or overgrowth of yeast or bacteria. In some cases, a culture of the vaginal discharge may identify the germ that is causing the infection.

A biopsy (a test of the tissue) of the irritated area on the vulva may be recommended if there are no signs of infection.

Treatment

Creams or suppositories are used to treat yeast infections in the vagina. You can buy most of them without a prescription at drugstores, some grocery stores, and other stores. Follow the directions that came with the medicine you are using.

There are many treatments for vaginal dryness. Before treating your symptoms on your own, see a doctor who can find the cause of the problem.

If you have BV or trichomoniasis, your health care provider may prescribe:

Antibiotic pills that you swallow

Antibiotic creams that you insert into your vagina

Other medicines that may help include:

Cortisone cream

Antihistamine pills to help with itching

Be sure to use the medicine exactly as prescribed and follow the instructions on the label.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Proper treatment of an infection is usually very effective.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of vulvovaginitis, or if treatment you receive for vulvovaginitis does not relieve your symptoms.

Prevention

Keep your genital area clean and dry when you have vaginitis.

Avoid soap. Just rinse with water to clean yourself.

Soak in a warm, not hot, bath to help your symptoms. Dry thoroughly afterward.

Avoid douching. Many women feel cleaner when they douche, but it may actually make symptoms worse because it removes healthy bacteria that line the vagina. These bacteria help protect against infection.

Other tips are:

Avoid using hygiene sprays, fragrances, or powders in the genital area.

Use pads instead of tampons while you have an infection.

If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels in good control.

Allow more air to reach your genital area. You can do this by:

Wearing loose-fitting clothes and not wearing panty hose

Wearing cotton underwear (instead of synthetic fabrics) or underwear that has a cotton lining in the crotch. Cotton increases air flow and decreases moisture buildup.

Not wearing underwear at night when you sleep

Girls and women should also:

Know how to properly clean their genital area while bathing or showering.

Wipe properly after using the toilet -- always from front to back.

Wash thoroughly before and after using the bathroom.

Always practice safe sex, and use condoms to avoid catching or spreading infections.

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

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